...I have a double post today. Presenting...

Master Evil Genius's Idiot-Proof Guide to Surviving any Soul-Sucking Examination

OK, so this won't guarantee you your A's, but at least it'll keep you sane until you manage to get your As!

01. Friends, OR, simply having a fellow human being around you when you're mugging.
Trust me on this one. What a difference it makes to have a living, breathing person around you! I remember I almost slid into a dark, dark period during the Secondary 4 Prelims. I was constantly stressed out and it was partly because I was studying alone all the time. So I grabbed every single opportunity to study where there were people around. Somehow, it made me feel better. Fast forward to 2006, I had 2 really great pals come over to my place almost every day to study with me. No, we didn't waste time. We really studied, and the perk? When you're stressed, you get to strangle someone. No. Scrap that. Actually, you get to destress by just talking for awhile.

Who needn't apply: Those who are allergic to noise, and those who have really annoying siblings. You're better off studying on your own.

02. Food
This is such a 'doh!' suggestion, but since it IS an idiot-proof guide, I've thrown it in. Surround yourself with delicious/addictive snacks which require copious amounts of chewing/biting, but preferably not those 'heaty' ones which cause you to fall sick. Suggestions: Some chocolate, biscuits from Marks and Spencer's, Ice Cream, and you're all set. No crackers allowed. Heh heh. And, the extra fat can be worked off after the exams, so don't be too paranoid.

Who needn't apply: Those who are genuinely afraid that the fat they gain can't be worked off. Or those who focus more on the food than their work.

03. Coffee/Tea
Ah. My fuel. Unless you're the type who started revision eons ago, it's highly likely you won't be able to meet the deadlines you've set for yourself. So that's when those caffeinated drinks come in handy! I relied on the latter more though; I don't like the sour aftertaste of coffee.

Who needn't apply: Those who are immune to the effects of coffee.

04. Lots and Lots and Lots of water.
I don't think I need to emphasize this more.

Who needn't apply: No one. Everyone should apply.

05. Instant noodles
This is separate from food because.. erm, it isn't exactly food proper. It's an unhealthy option, yes, but a quick and convenient one. Stay off it though, after the exams.

Who needn't apply: The Health-Conscious.


After 12 years of going through examinations, that's what I've come up with... I'm sure those reading this have more; add in whatever secrets you have. You don't need them anymore; muahahaha... until University, of course.